Dexlansoprazole: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Dexlansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat heartburn associated with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, where stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus. It is available as delayed-release capsules and requires a prescription in the United Kingdom; its labelled uses also include healing acid-related damage to the oesophagus and maintaining that healing.

Dexlansoprazole is indicated for adults and young people aged 12 years and older with acid-related conditions affecting the oesophagus. These include erosive oesophagitis, where the lining of the oesophagus is damaged, and symptomatic non-erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, where reflux causes heartburn without erosive damage. The label includes healing all grades of erosive oesophagitis, maintaining healing after treatment, and relieving associated heartburn.

It also includes treatment of heartburn linked to symptomatic non-erosive reflux disease. The labelled treatment duration differs according to the condition and, for maintenance treatment, the patient's age.

The label lists oral delayed-release capsules in strengths of 30 mg and 60 mg. The label lists 60 mg once daily for healing erosive oesophagitis in patients aged 12 years and older, for up to 8 weeks. The label lists 30 mg once daily for maintenance of healed erosive oesophagitis and relief of heartburn, with controlled studies not extending beyond 6 months in adults or 16 weeks in patients aged 12 to 17 years.

The label lists 30 mg once daily for symptomatic non-erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease for 4 weeks. The label lists 30 mg once daily for up to eight weeks for healing erosive oesophagitis in patients with moderate hepatic impairment. Treatment is not recommended in severe hepatic impairment.

Administration is described as independent of food, with capsules kept whole rather than chewed. The label also describes alternative administration methods for patients who have difficulty swallowing capsules, using intact granules.

Dexlansoprazole belongs to the proton pump inhibitor class of medicines. These medicines act on acid-producing cells in the stomach, blocking the proton pumps involved in the final stage of acid production. This reduces the amount of acid released into the stomach.

When stomach contents flow back into the oesophagus, reduced acidity can lessen acid-related irritation and heartburn, while allowing damaged tissue to heal. The action is on acid production rather than on physically preventing reflux.

There are no studies of dexlansoprazole in pregnant women to establish a drug-associated risk. Observational studies of the related medicine lansoprazole did not demonstrate an association with adverse pregnancy outcomes, but cannot establish or exclude risk. Animal findings indicate potential adverse effects on fetal bone growth and development.

There is no information on dexlansoprazole in human milk, its effects on breastfed infants, or milk production. Pregnancy or breastfeeding should be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist, considering the mother's treatment needs and potential risks to the child.

The label advises that a missed dose is administered as soon as possible, unless the next scheduled dose is due. In that situation, the missed dose is omitted and the regular schedule resumes.

Doses should not be doubled to compensate for a missed dose. A pharmacist can clarify uncertainties about the schedule.

The label specifies storage at 20 to 25°C, with excursions permitted to 15 to 30°C. Keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children and follow the packaging instructions to maintain quality.